10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN ALAMEDA

Alameda may be small, but it is mighty when it comes to fun! Indoor, outdoor, adults, kids, families - what type of entertainment are you looking for? It’s right here! Here are ten fun things to do when on the island.

1. Alameda Point Antiques Faire

On the first Sunday of every month, you’ll find the Alameda Point Antiques Faire on the west side of the main island. The antiques show is the largest in Northern California, with 800 dealer booths. It’s a busy event, and turns the west end into a bustling part of the island.

2. AMF Bowling Alley + Arcade

AMF South Shore Lanes offers bowling lanes and leagues, party rental space, and an arcade (featuring a giant PacMan game!). You’ll find pool tables here as well. All this, right along the beach and across the street from the South Shore Shopping Center!

3. Bike the Bay Farm Shoreline Trail

Bay Farm Island is a peninsula, connected to Oakland and Oakland International Airport. A separate bike/pedestrian bridge runs along the Bay Farm Island Bridge, and lets out on the Bay Farm Island Shoreline Trail at its northern end. Not only does the trail follow the shore, but it actually is a 6-mile walking and biking trail that loops around the island if you feel so inspired to do the entire circle.

4. Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

This one is for adults only! Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge is definitely the most well-known drinking spot on the island, attracting visitors from all over. Musical acts range from surf rock and rockabilly bands to jazz and lounge DJs. Rum drinks are extra rummy and the decor puts you right in the middle of a tropical island. Get ready to have a good time!

5. Hangar 1 Distillery and St. George Spirits

“Start with a tour, stay for the view,” says Hangar 1 Distillery. In an old WW11-era hangar, Hangar 1 creates their vodka (and brandy). Distillery tours are available, or just stop in for a tasting. St. George Spirits, founded in 1982, is just a hop and a skip from Hangar 1. Within their 65,000-square-foot hangar, you’ll find a tasting room, laboratory, and a hefty offering of spirits: gin, vodka, whiskey, liqueurs, and even absinthe. Both offer fantastic views of San Francisco.

6. High Scores Arcade

“We want to take you back to when gaming was a social experience - play to impress the crowd, bask in the blacklight, throw on your jean jacket and then jump in Outrun for a victory lap.” Asteroids, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Pole Position, Super Mario Brothers, Tempest, and so many more (over 400 playable games!). High Scores Arcade relocated from its home in New Jersey and opened in Alameda in 2013. Spend an hour in the arcade for $6.00; all day passes are $12.00. The classic atmosphere is complete with retro to rap tunes playing from the jukebox.

7. Pacific Pinball Museum

The Pacific Pinball Museum, a nonprofit founded in 2004, features over 90 games from the 1940’s to present day. Almost all of the games are playable. Adult admission is $20, while kids 5-12 are $10. Don’t miss the 2 for $20 deal on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make your way through the museum, playing games from oldest to newest. A great date night or family fun day!

8. Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Lessons

With the best intro class in the Bay, Mike’s Paddle is a great place to learn how to Stand-Up Paddle in Alameda. Mike’s Paddle is exclusively about SUP, and he offers kids summer camps, sunset paddles, SUP Yoga classes, and even paddling with your pup! Have an active friend or family member in town? Take them to Mike’s - they’ll have a great time while getting a taste of the Bay!

9. USS Hornet Museum

At Alameda Point, you can’t help to spot a very large, docked naval ship. The USS Hornet was given to the former air station and is now used as a museum ship, the USS Hornet Museum. The ship is open every day for general admission, and special tours and exhibits are offered. The ship is also home to special events, fundraisers, and some years, around Halloween, a haunted ship experience. Try the paranormal tour if you dare.

10. Windsurfing Lessons at Crown Beach

The beach and surrounding area at Crown Memorial State Beach is a favorite spot for walking, windsurfing, kayaking, and cycling. Boardsports California offers windsurfing rentals and lessons from their small facility along the shore. They have kiteboarding or stand up paddle boarding classes as well.